KansasPop. 39,709Small cities
Is Hutchinson a Good Place to Live? Hutchinson, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hutchinson ranks #1003 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($125,000, #13 of 208) and low rents ($881/mo, #22 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (608 per 100,000, #153 of 174).
Hutchinson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hutchinson's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $881/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,216, 39% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Hutchinson | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $151,216#45 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $805/mo#3 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $125,000#42 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $881/mo#72 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.1x#8 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18%#247 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Hutchinson housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Hutchinson is in the Hutchinson, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Hutchinson safe?
Hutchinson recorded 608 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% above the US rate of 328 and 33% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #915 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #153 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hutchinson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,127 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hutchinson | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 608#915 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,127#742 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Hutchinson?
The median household in Hutchinson earns $58,687, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hutchinson | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $58,687#1068 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.9%#858 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hutchinson?
The median resident of Hutchinson is 39.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1185 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hutchinson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 19.3%#1185 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 62.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hutchinson's schools and health?
Hutchinson's 12 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $14,222 spent per pupil. 44.8% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hutchinson | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.7%#498 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,222#671 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.8%#1279 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,205 students are enrolled in Hutchinson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hutchinson?
The average commute in Hutchinson is 15.6 minutes (Kansas 20); 0% of workers take transit and 4.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hutchinson scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.3°F and winters 33.7°F, with 28.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hutchinson | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.6 min#80 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.8% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.8% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.6 | 19.7 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 48.2 | 23.2 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 58.7 | 32.8 | 2 |
| Apr | 68.2 | 42 | 2.3 |
| May | 77.9 | 53.2 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 88.4 | 63.6 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 92.8 | 68.2 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 66 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 83 | 56.9 | 2 |
| Oct | 70.5 | 43.8 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 56.6 | 31.2 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 45.2 | 22.1 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hutchinson Muni Airport.
| Measure | Hutchinson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 33.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 28.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hutchinson Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hutchinson?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Hutchinson's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Reno County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Hutchinson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.2%#928 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Reno County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Reno County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.012% | 94% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.011% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.027% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0015% | 86% of counties |
| Hail | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Hutchinson compare with similar-size cities?
Hutchinson is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #154 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,709.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #1203 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 | 22.9 min |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #95 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 | 20.8 min |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #553 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 | 23.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Hutchinson compare with the rest of Kansas?
Hutchinson ranks #18 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 50 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 22% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 39% below the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Hutchinson's score calculated?
Hutchinson scores 50 out of 100, #1003 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hutchinson. Similar-size median 52.9.
45.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hutchinson's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
52.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hutchinson. Similar-size median 52.2.
36.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hutchinson's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
62.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hutchinson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
90.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hutchinson. Similar-size median 46.7.
38.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hutchinson. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hutchinson. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hutchinson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
28.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hutchinson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hutchinson has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Hutchinson
Is Hutchinson, KS a good place to live?
Hutchinson ranks #1003 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($125,000, #13 of 208) and low rents ($881/mo, #22 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (608 per 100,000, #153 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $881/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,216, 39% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson recorded 608 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% above the US rate of 328 and 33% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #915 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #153 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hutchinson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,127 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hutchinson?
The median household in Hutchinson earns $58,687, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hutchinson?
Median rent in Hutchinson is $881/mo (Census), #72 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $805/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hutchinson?
The typical home value in Hutchinson is $151,216, up 7.2% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $125,000.
How are the public schools in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson's 12 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $14,222 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hutchinson?
The average commute is 15.6 minutes, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson averages 56.1°F over the year, 78.3°F in summer and 33.7°F in winter, with 28.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hutchinson walkable?
Hutchinson scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Hutchinson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Reno County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
Who lives in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson has 39,709 residents. The median resident of Hutchinson is 39.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1185 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hutchinson compare with the rest of Kansas?
Hutchinson ranks #18 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 50 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 22% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 39% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Hutchinson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hutchinson's population of 39,709 are West Fargo, ND (#73 overall), Norwich, CT (#541 overall), Dover, DE (#1203 overall), Pine Bluff, AR (#1307 overall), and Bettendorf, IA (#166 overall). Hutchinson is #1003.